Laurie’s extensive experience in eldercare extends beyond her professional life. She has personally encountered the challenges we all face as our families age, or as we ourselves need to learn to adapt to a changing environment or personal limitations. These lessons have provided Laurie with the insight and empathy necessary to support families as they journey through the often overwhelming world of providing care to family members. Her guidance can assist in difficult decision making, in coordinating needed resources, and in facilitating difficult discussions among family members, while remaining a patient advocate and ensuring that the wishes and needs of the elder are being met.

Here are some thoughts about the impact that Laurie has had on the lives of others:

"Laurie is the kind of person that makes me feel so much better. Her support and guidance has helped me get used to my new life with Alzheimer’s. She helps me to learn to live with it."
Resident, Carolina Meadows

"Laurie's warm support is an essential component to our relationship and to the integrity of her caregiving. Her respect for my concerns has created an adult to adult relationship. Laurie's affirmation of me was so needed at this time of life when we are experiencing so many losses."
Resident, Carolina Meadows

“Laurie Ray has been a real pillar of strength for all of us. She helped us make many difficult decisions during a trying time.”
Daughter, Boston MA

“We want to thank you so much for your kindness in helping us explore our options for care for our family member. You were so efficient in finding us the information, and so compassionate in discussions to understand our situation. In a society where the elderly are sometimes not as valued as they should be, you are a strong advocate for them. Not everyone knows where to turn to get help when they are facing such tremendous, emotionally charged issues, yet you are there to help and it is such a comfort for us.”
Daughter-in-law, Pittsboro NC

Articles
The Challenge of Acknowledging Change (PDF 56Kb)
by Laurie Ray, from the April 2004 edition of Fifty Plus

Elder Care: Online Resources for Seniors (external link)
by Stacey L. Bradford, SmartMoney.com

Elder Care: A Helping Hand (external link)
by Stacey L. Bradford, SmartMoney.com